Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Case Reports
. 2010 Oct;1(4):284-7.
doi: 10.4103/0976-237X.76404.

Viable approach to manage superficial enamel discoloration

Naveen Chhabra  1 , Kiran P Singbal
Affiliations
Case Reports

Viable approach to manage superficial enamel discoloration

Naveen Chhabra et al. Contemp Clin Dent. 2010 Oct.

Abstract

Esthetics is a primary concern amongst young patients and represents a challenge to the dentist. Discolored teeth are frequently seen in the general population. Several techniques have been devised to minimize or completely eliminate tooth discoloration. This case report highlights the successful management of enamel discoloration via modified microabrasion technique followed by in office bleaching.

Keywords: Discoloration; fluorosis; hydrochloric acid; microabrasion.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preoperative view showing yellowish discoloration on labial aspect of both central incisors and chalky labial surface of all teeth
Figure 2
Figure 2
Application of acid via cotton pellet followed by use of coarse grit abrasive discs for 10 seconds at low speed under rubber dam isolation
Figure 3
Figure 3
Note the color change immediately after completion of microabrasion
Figure 4
Figure 4
In office power bleaching procedure carried immediately after microabrasion
Figure 5
Figure 5
Completion of finishing and polishing procedure. Note the high luster obtained producing camouflage effect and masking the white chalky patches
Figure 6
Figure 6
One month follow-up visit showing constancy of esthetics achieved after treatment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Rajyalakshmi K, Rao NV, Krishna N. Studies in Environmental Science. Vol. 27. India: Publishers BV; 1985. Investigations on the relevance of defluoridated water and nutritional supplements in fluorosis endemic areas in Andhra Pradesh. Fluoride Research 1985; p. 358.
    1. Croll TP. Enamel microabrasion: Observations after 10 years. J Am Dent Assoc. 1997;128:45S–50. - PubMed
    1. McCloskey RJ. A Technique for removal of fluorosis stains. J Am Dent Assoc. 1984;109:63–4. - PubMed
    1. Croll TP, Cavanaugh RR. Enamel color modification by controlled hydrochloric acid-pumice abrasion: Part 1. Technique and examples. Quintessence Int. 1986;17:81–7. - PubMed
    1. Croll TP. Enamel microabrasion for removal of superficial dysmineralization and decalcification defects. J Am Dent Assoc. 1990;120:411–5. - PubMed

Publication types